When the harmony of nature seems like a
#utopia, then be sure that you are in Arcadia.
The heart of the #Peloponnese. #Greece.
The images you see are an #idyllic vision
of the Greek countryside. The world around us takes on mythical proportions
here. In the rivers and trees, Fairies and #nymphs are enchanted by the flute
of the god #Faunus. In this melodic song of life.
In today's episode we will discover the
impressive waterfalls of Lepida and the traditional village of Agios Ioannis
or Orino #Astros. Untouched and authentic destinations of eastern Arcadia.
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The mountainous topography of this Greek
province and the sparse rural population made the word Arcadia evolve into a poetic meaning. A
version of paradise, though only in the sense that it is the abode of
supernatural beings and not an afterlife for mortals.
During the Renaissance, #Arcadia was a popular artistic subject, both
in the visual arts and in literature, and this name came to be used for any
idyllic location or paradise.
Our tour starts from the village of Agios Ioannis.
It is built amphitheatrically on the slopes of the mountain at an altitude of 725 meters. It has many
churches and traditional fountains.
While exploring the alleys of the
settlement you will immediately feel serenity and the feeling of intimacy, as
if you have walked here again. Around you traditional buildings, hospitable
guesthouses, taverns with delicious flavors, plane trees and flowers.
Saint John of Arcadia or Agios Ioannis is
mentioned for the first time in 1435, while its contribution to the Greek
revolution of 1821 was significant.
A huge surprise awaits you three kilometers
south of the settlement! The double #waterfalls of Lepida. Protected area on Mount Parnon
with important flora! As you can see, the shots are just breathtaking!
The beautiful hiking trail prepares you
perfectly for the wonder of nature that follows. Blue #lakes, impressive
geological formations and this unique sound of crystal clear waters. The
eternal power of flow that acts as a purification for the human soul.
Do not hesitate to take a refreshing swim
at the cold water, while in the gorge are often organized canyoning descents
and rappel.
The ideal time to visit is spring and late
autumn.
Nearby the imposing medieval castle of Oria
or Estella which means Star. It is built on a "natural pyramid" that
makes it inaccessible, while its reputation is accompanied by legends of
beautiful princesses and fierce battles.
Let yourself wander in the ancient paths of
Arcadia filling
your batteries with energy, do sports, leave behind all the stress, sorrows and
thoughts…
On this trip you will feel the certainty
that the Nymphs and the God Faunus are still here. Behind the trees, inside the
caves and under the waters of the rivers. They protect nature and welcome the
passengers.
The land of the Peloponnese
will reward you richly, as long as you are surrendered to its sweet song.
#Paradise has a name and is located in Greece!
ARCADIA (Arkadhía), the heartland province of the Peloponnese, contains
some of the most beautiful landscapes in Greece. Dramatic hills are crowned
by a string of medieval towns, and the occasional Classical antiquity.
Beautiful Karítena is a picture-postcard hill town, but the best area of all is
around Stemnítsa and Dhimitsána, where walkers are rewarded with the luxuriant
Loúsios Gorge. Another hill town, Andhrítsena, attracts archeology buffs with
the nearby Temple
of Bassae, still
spectacular though tented for restoration. En route, if approaching from
Trípoli, you may also pass through Megalópoli, both mainly transport hubs.
North of Megalópoli, the best of Arcadia lies before you:
minor roads that curl through a series of lush valleys and below the area’s
most exquisite medieval hill towns. The obvious first stop is lofty Karítena.
Then the route to the northwest winds farther up around the edge of the Ménalo
mountains to the delightful towns of Stemnítsa and Dhimitsána, from either of
which you can explore the Loúsios Gorge, including the remote site of ancient
Gortys and the stunning eleventh-century Ayíou Ioánnou Prodhrómou Monastery
(commonly abbreviated to Prodhrómou), as well as additional ancient monasteries
on up the gorge. To the west there’s the hill town of Andhrítsena and nearby
the ancient Temple
of Bassae. Having your
own transport is pretty essential here, though there are limited buses from
Trípoli and Megalópoli. The hill towns also offer plenty of great places to
stay.
